At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project to develop nerve guidance conduits for nerve repair.
- Company: Be part of a diverse and innovative research team at a leading university.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on research experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in collaborative lab activities and contribute to teaching and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare with sustainable biopolymers and advanced engineering.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biochemical Engineering or related field, with experience in bacterial fermentation.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 39906 £ per year.
The Research Associate will be employed using funds from a Royce Industrial Collaboration Program Round 6 Grant entitled ‘PHA based Nerve Guidance Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Repair’. The project involves the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate‑based Nerve Guidance Conduits (NGCs) used for the repair of peripheral nerves after injury. NGCs are tubular scaffolds that are sutured within the gap of the two broken ends of an injured nerve, guiding regeneration. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are sustainable, biocompatible polymers produced via bacterial fermentation, providing advantages of sustainability, biocompatibility, controlled degradation, and excellent suturability compared with current NGCs. NGCs will be produced using melt extrusion of PHA‑based blends and will be characterised in depth for chemical, thermal, mechanical properties, degradation rates, and biocompatibility.
Responsibilities:
- Optimise production of mcl‑PHA and scl‑PHA using established carbon sources up to 30L working volume.
- Isolate, purify, and characterise mcl‑PHA and scl‑PHA.
- Assist PHAsT Ltd. in creating dog‑bone‑shaped blend formulations by injection moulding and characterise mechanical properties and degradation rates.
- Assess biocompatibility of PHAs, their blends and NGCs with respect to nerve cells.
- Actively participate in Roy Lab activities and take lead roles when required.
- Participate in undergraduate and postgraduate training activities for project students in the Roy Lab.
- Participate in teaching activities if required.
- Make ethical decisions and embed the University sustainability strategy into work activities where possible.
- Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications & Person Specification:
- Hold a PhD in Biochemical Engineering or a related area (or close to completion) or have equivalent experience (Essential).
- Have experience in bacterial fermentation ranging from 1L–100L large‑scale fermentations and optimisation (Essential).
- Have experience in scaling up optimised bacterial fermentations preferably up to 30–100L working volume (Essential).
- Have experience in the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates via bacterial fermentation (Essential).
- Have experience with biomaterials, their isolation and characterisation (Desirable).
- Have experience with cell culture (Desirable).
- Experience of motivating and communicating with a team of staff (Essential).
- Good time management and ability to meet targets on time (Essential).
- Effective communication skills, writing, reporting, and presentation skills (Essential).
- Ability to assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities (Essential).
- Ability to contribute to research proposal development (Essential).
Employment Details:
- Salary: £38,784 – £39,906 per annum.
- Duration: Fixed‑term from 01/07/2026 to 30/11/2026.
- Work arrangement: Full‑time (on site).
- Line manager: Professor of Biomaterials.
Research Associate in Biochemical Engineering in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
As a leading institution in biochemical engineering, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to sustainability and biocompatibility in research not only enhances employee engagement but also provides meaningful contributions to the field of nerve repair. With ample opportunities for professional development and a supportive culture, our team is dedicated to advancing knowledge while making a positive impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Biochemical Engineering in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biochemical engineering field through LinkedIn or industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on Polyhydroxyalkanoates and nerve guidance conduits. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with bacterial fermentation and biomaterials makes you the perfect fit for the role. We believe that confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Biochemical Engineering in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Research Associate role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in bacterial fermentation and biomaterials can contribute to our project. We want to see real examples of your work and how it relates to the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that makes it easy for us to see your strengths. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for biochemical engineering shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right place and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s a great way to explore more about our team and projects!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Biochemical Engineering Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biochemical engineering principles, especially around Polyhydroxyalkanoates and bacterial fermentation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous research projects, particularly any experience with large-scale fermentations or biomaterials. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this demonstrates problem-solving skills and resilience.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be ready to share examples of how you've motivated and communicated with colleagues in past projects. This could include leading a project or collaborating on research, so think of concrete instances to illustrate your points.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Familiarise yourself with the university's sustainability strategy and be prepared to discuss how your work can contribute to these goals. Showing that you understand the importance of sustainability in biochemical engineering will resonate well with the interviewers.
